Crane Runway & Structural Steel

Top running crane runway systems are typically used for top running single girder cranes along with top running double girder cranes.  Additionally, some specialty crane systems are also designed to utilize a top running runway system.  Generally, this runway style typically uses ASCE Rail or square bar that is affixed to the top of a structural beam as a running surface for the top running crane.  There are multiple support options for top running crane runway systems.  Being supported from a hauch (which is attached to a side of a building column) or utilizing a freestanding structure are the most common ways of supporting a top running crane runways.

Under hung crane runway systems are used for mounting under hung single girder and under hung double girder cranes.  Additionally, most specialty crane systems can also utilize an under hung runway.   Unlike top running runways, under hung runway beams typically use patented track as a running surface.  Alternatively, structural I-beams can also be used as a running surface.  AFE Crane suggests to all customers to use patented track as opposed to structural I-beams as a running surface.  Similar to the top running crane runway, the under hung crane runway can be mounted/hung in various ways.  For example, a freestanding structural system could be used or the runway could be mounted directly to the bottom of the building structure (if the building design allows for the extra loading).  Alternatively, hanger rods can be used to hang under hung runway from an existing structure to adjust elevation of the runway.

A freestanding structure is floor supported and can be designed to fit virtually anywhere.  These systems can be designed for top running and under hung runways along with monorail and enclosed track systems. Freestanding structural steel systems are often used if the building structure cannot support the additional load of the crane.  These freestanding systems are designed without the use of any bracing.  Freestanding systems can also be designed with column bracing which is braced back to the floor (knee braced structure) or with bracing that tie back to the building structure (semi-freestanding structure).  Both the knee braced runway and semi-freestanding runway reduce the amount of steel being used making it a more cost effective system.  In most freestanding structures, concrete footings may need to be installed to take the weight of the system.